Planning and Development FAQ

What requires a permit?

Below are projects that require Development and/or Building Permits. Please look over this list to check to see if the project you are wishing to build requires either or both of these permits. If your project is not listed, please contact the Planning and Development Department at (780) 514-2200.

Type of Project	Development Permit required	Building Permit required
New residential structure (ie. House, duplex, threeplex, fourplex, modular home, mobile home), addition, basement suite	Yes	Yes
Basement Development (finishing)	n/a	Yes
Detached Garage or Carport	Yes	Yes
Deck under 1 foot above grade level	n/a	n/a
Deck 1 foot + above grade level	Yes	Yes (when above 2 feet)
Shed, greenhouse, storage building, playhouse under 110 sq ft	n/a	n/a
Shed, greenhouse, storage building, playhouse 110 sq ft +	Yes	Yes
Commercial & Industrial Buildings, residential structures greater than a fourplex	Yes	Yes
Temporary Signage (banner, sandwich board, portable)	Yes	n/a
Signage (fascia, awning/canopy, projecting, inflatable, roof, freestanding, or billboard)	Yes	Yes
Wood Burning Unit	n/a	Yes
Lot Grading, stripping of topsoil	Yes	n/a
Landscaping	n/a	n/a
Building Renovations (cosmetic and no structural)	n/a	n/a
Demolition and moving of buildings	Yes	Yes

What other situations require development permits?

Any change in use (ie. A former residence becomes a retail store)
Any changes in size and shape of a structure

What other situations require building permits?

When renovating any structure that changes its size or includes structural (support) alterations.
Any structure with retaining walls over 4 feet high

Why do I need both development and building permits?

The development permit is issued by the Town of Drayton Valley, confirming that the proposed development meets with the requirements of the Town’s Land Use Bylaw and all statutory planning documents.

The building permit is issued through the Town of Drayton Valley, but is the Safety Codes Officer’s authorization for the construction to proceed so that is meets provincial regulations (Alberta Building Code).

What is the processing time for permits?

Processing times vary, generally during the winter months (October to April) processing times are usually 1-2 weeks. During the summer months (May to September) the Planning & Development departments number of permits rises, with processing times approximately 3-4 weeks. Please allow yourself a minimum of 4 weeks so that you may get your permit in time to start construction. To be fair to everyone, applications are processed in the order which was received.

I have my development permit, can I start building now?

When a development permit has been approved, there is a 3 week appeal period that follows. This gives the adjacent landowners an opportunity to appeal your application. Construction should also wait until the building permit has been approved or the building inspector has given you verbal approval to start. Any construction that begins prior to any permits being issued is solely at the applicant’s risk. The Town of Drayton Valley does not take any responsibility for construction that begins prior to permits being approved.

How much does a permit cost?

Permit fees vary on the type of construction you are doing. Please refer to the fee schedule below for permit costs.

Click here for: 2022 Fee Schedule

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